News

Gigolo spreads the man love and more

The ABC reports local male prostitute, Hector Scott of Kingston (hello Google), has appeared in court on charges of knowingly infecting someone with a STD. Allegedly, even though he knew (or should have known) that he had a STD he continued his “service”, and he was also operating without being registered.

According to this CT story the respective maximum penalties are 6 months jail and a $5000 fine, and 12 months jail and a $10,000 fine. I can understand that a gigolo has to earn a living, but considering he could be effectively ending someone’s life, shouldn’t the penalties be higher? Perhaps the same penalty as manslaughter, and maybe also castration?

My mate was pushed off a bridge to his death by a mate in a drunken argument that went way too far. In reference to your query of whether or not sentences should resemble those of manslaughter? The mate that did the pushing was convicted with an 18 month gaol sentence, with merely nine mandatory.

The issue is not with a lack of strict punishment in any one area of the law. The entire justice system is weak, flawed and easily bent at the will of members of the court and jury. However, this then raises the question as to how far you will go to ensure security. you heighten the sentence for one thing, and the rest must follow. Who would ensure that human liberty is still adhered to?

What this man did is inexcusable and sick. To act without any consideration for human life is, in fact, one aspect of the definition of manslaughter. But as we can see, that doesn’t help us anyway.

The health departments attention seeking actions with the Hector Scott issue, and the baseless, sensational headlines and stories in the media have succeeded in the victimisation of this guy and perpetuated the beliefs and stereotypes people have of HIV and sex workers.

The health department considered this incident to be a public health issue, which excused the department from following the communicable diseases procedure. The knowingly infecting charge was misleading and eventually (should be)dismissed when there was no evidence or victims to support the at risk behaviours Hector was accused of engaging in.

The previous postings on this case discussing knowingly infecting, castration and lynch mobs should have people questioning their values and beliefs. Considering the latest data and studies, 10% of people with HIV are undiagnosed, and responsible for 40% of new notification every year. People need to start taking responsability for their own sexual health and choices. The number of clients seeking “natural french services”, oral without a condom is out of control and should be addressed appropriately in legislation.

(looks at charge)
It looks like he’s been charged with knowingly infecting someone with an STD.
The fact that he has HIV in the first place is not in question. Why hide the illness if what’s in dispute is the fact he’s spread it around?

I’m sure I read in the CT when the story first ran that it wasn’t HIV and they are unsure if he was servicing male clients. They also had a photo of him, I can’t believe people actually paid him money.